Peritonitis is an acute inflammation of the peritoneum triggered by bacterial, chemical or physical insults. It progresses rapidly and may become life-threatening within hours. Key manifestations include: Abdominal painThe earliest and most prominent symptom—persistent, sharp, and diffuse; movement, coughing or palpation intensifies the discomfort. Peritoneal signsTenderness, rebound pain and guarding give the abdomen a board-like rigidity, reflecting parietal peritoneal irritation. Nausea & vomitingInitially reflex, later bilious or feculent if paralytic ileus supervenes. Fever & rigorsTemperature often >38 °C with chills as systemic inflammation ignites. Abdominal distensionGas and fluid accumulate when peristalsis ceases, sometimes compromising respiration. Cessation of flatus & stoolAbsent... Learn more